Here in Virginia, we stand for inclusivity. We understand that the power of the hospitality, restaurant, and travel industries can be transformative and impact the way we understand the world around us. Seeing the world through travel exposes visitors to different cultures, history, heritage, cuisine, art, and, most importantly, people.

Ongoing and active learning will enable us to uphold our values and continue our mission of transforming Virginia's tourism and hospitality industries. We commit to sharing those experiences and points of view that have been previously overlooked or unheard, and will work actively to support partners and organizations who do the same.  We also commit to providing resources to our members so that together we can make Virginia a more inclusive place to travel, work, and live. 

"VRLTA (Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association) is committed to transforming Virginia’s tourism & hospitality industry through thoughtful leadership, best practices and tools based on equity, diversity, and inclusion principles that empower our members."

Melissa Majors Consulting

In 2023, VRLTA partnered with Melissa Majors, DEI expert and author of "The 7 Simple Habits of Inclusive Leaders" on a virtual workshop for our members. Melissa has extensive experience and a proven reputation for driving better business outcomes through innovative and inclusive strategic planning. You can find resources from the workshop below:

• The 7 Habits of Inclusive Leaders Presentation
• Book Discussion Guide
• Melissa Majors Workshop​​

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ServSafe Training Programs: 

ServSafe Workplace is a suite of training programs that focuses on creating and sustaining a safe and appropriate work environment for all employees. The programs are rooted in the cultural and social issues affecting today’s restaurant and hospitality work environments, and focuses on mitigation and management of issues associated with the work and safety of employees and will assist in strengthening every establishment’s stance against harassment in the workplace.Text goes here

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Additional Resources:

Diversity in the Workplace

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• 10 DEI Initiatives to Prioritize
• HOPES Program
• Virginia Values Veterans (V3)
• Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
• ForWard: Women Advancing Hospitality
• HerOwnership - AAHOA

Additional Resources

• Family and Medical Leave Act (Download Poster)
• FLSA Overview
• FLSA Digital Reference Guide
• The Job Accommodation Network
• EEOC Small Business Resource Center​

Important Events to Know: 

• Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
• Hampton Roads Black Restaurant Week
• DMV Black Restaurant Week
• VAHC Restaurante Week
• Virginia Black Business Expo

Diverse Travel Initiatives

• Black Travel in Virginia
• BLK RVA
• LGBTQ+ Travel
• Accessible Travel
• Black Cville | Visit Charlottesville
• Accessible Experiences | Visit Charlottesville
• The Edna Lewis Menu Trail

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